Doritos are an iconic snack food loved by many for their intensely flavored nacho cheese powder coating. That tangy, cheesy Doritos dust is truly the star of the show. While store-bought Doritos make a tasty snack, many homemade versions of Doritos seasoning let you control the ingredients.
With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate that nostalgic Doritos flavor as a multipurpose seasoning blend to sprinkle on everything from tortilla chips to chicken wings!
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Doritos Seasoning
Whipping up homemade Dorito seasoning requires just a handful of ingredients likely already in your pantry.
Key components:
Cheese Powder
The foundation for great DIY Doritos powder is cheese powder, usually cheddar. This adds the quintessential cheesy orange color and sharp flavor. Look for it in the spice aisle or buy online if your grocery store doesn't carry it.
Onion and Garlic Powder
Onion and garlic powders build savory flavor in homemade Doritos seasoning. They also lend a lovely burnt orange hue. As common pantry staples, you may already have these on hand.
Paprika
Paprika pulls triple duty in DIY Doritos powder. It provides a vibrant red-orange color, savory flavor, and subtle heat. Smoked paprika can highlight even more flavor complexity.
Chilies
Ground chile powders like chipotle, ancho, or cayenne bring another layer of heat and smokiness. Adjust amounts to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances all the other robust flavors and enhances overall taste. Use plain table salt or kosher salt.
| Common Doritos Powder Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese Powder | Cheesy color and flavor |
| Onion Powder | Savory flavor |
| Garlic Powder | Savory flavor |
| Paprika | Color, flavor, subtle heat |
| Ground Chilies | Heat, smokiness |
| Salt | Enhances flavor |
While this covers the major components, you can further customize your homemade Doritos spice mix to taste by experimenting with extras like tomato powder, buttermilk powder, MSG, or cumin.
How to Make Your Own Doritos Seasoning Powder
Now that you know what goes into it, let's look at the easy process for making DIY Dorito powder:
Gather Your Ingredients
Grab all the spices and powders you'll need. Use the handy chart above or check a recipe.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Measure out desired amounts of each component into a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly with a fork to evenly distribute.
Grind into Fine Powder
To achieve the right free-flowing, dust-like texture, process the mixed ingredients in a spice grinder, small food processor, or blender. Grind until very fine and powdery.
Store for Later Use
Funnel your homemade Doritos powder into an airtight container like a jar or spice bottle. Stored properly, it will keep for up to a month.
And that's all there is to it! Whip up a big batch to have flavorful Doritos dust on hand anytime.
Key Takeaway: Making your own Doritos seasoning takes just minutes. Simply combine desired spices and cheese powder then grind into a fine powder.
How to Use Homemade Doritos Powder
One of the best aspects of DIY Doritos seasoning is its incredible versatility. Yes, it tastes fantastic on tortilla chips, but why stop there? This zesty powder amps up flavor and color for anything you sprinkle it on.
Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips
To make Doritos copycat snacks, sprinkle the seasoning generously over freshly fried corn tortilla chips right from the oil and toss to coat. Alternatively, you can use pantry-bought chips.
Flavored Popcorn
What could be better than Doritos popcorn? Toss your cheese powder with freshly popped corn, both drizzled with oil or butter for the mixture to adhere. Shake in a paper bag for even coverage.
Chicken Wings and Drumsticks
Coat baked or fried chicken pieces in Doritos spice mix for finger-licking game day appetizers. The seasoning also pairs well with any breaded and fried meat.
Snack Mixes and Trail Mix
Jazz up your homemade trail mixes and crunchy snack mixes like Chex party blend, pretzel mixes, granola clusters or nut mixes by dusting with Doritos powder.
Roasted Veggies and Potatoes
Roast cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts or potatoes tossed in oil and Doritos seasoning for a flavor punch.
Creamy Dips
Stir DIY Doritos powder into sour cream, Greek yogurt or mayo to use for a quick chip dip or sandwich spread. Sprinkle over cheese dips too.
So put your seasoning mix to delicious use on snacks, appetizers, mains and more for that craveable Doritos taste. This versatile powder truly lives up to its name as Doritos dust!
Homemade Doritos Powder Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1-2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly with a fork until well-blended.
- Transfer spice mixture to a mini food processor or spice grinder. Grind into a fine powder.
- Store homemade Doritos seasoning in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
FAQs
What can I use if I don't have cheddar cheese powder?
You can substitute an equal amount of Parmesan cheese powder. Failing that, pulverize Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in a blender or food processor to make your own fresh cheese powder.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of corn flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can successfully stand in for corn flour in a Doritos replica blend. They both serve mainly as an anti-caking filler ingredient.
What is the best way to grind the Doritos powder?
For true powder fineness, use a dedicated electric spice grinder. Alternatively a small food processor, blender or even mortar and pestle can grind the mixture into fine particles.
How long does homemade Dorito seasoning last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, DIY Doritos powder will stay fresh for up to one month. After that it may lose potency.
What oil is best for frying Dorito chips?
Opt for high heat tolerant neutral oils like canola, peanut or vegetable oil to fry tortilla chips. Avoid olive oil as it has a low smoke point.
Conclusion
Recreating the nostalgic Doritos flavor experience as a versatile homemade seasoning powder makes for endless snacking opportunities.
All it takes is combining basic spices like paprika, garlic and onion powder with cheddar cheese powder and grinding to a dust-like texture.